This is a study of the female renunciant in Buddhist Sri Lanka. The study is historical and anthropological, linking the classical tradition with living practice. In the study, I trace the establishment of the Buddhist order of nuns in Sri Lanka in the third century, BCE, and explore its demise in the eleventh century, CE. I also recreate the reemergence of the female renunciant in nineteenth century Sri Lanka, and discuss the social conditions which gave rise to renewed interest in female renunciation. Though an order of nuns has not been reestablished in Sri Lanka, there are women who "go forth from home into homelessness" in spite of not being able to enter the monastic order. In addition, I offer life histories and views of contemporary lay nuns, and discuss their interpretations of the proper path of practice for the female Buddhist renunciant.
